Behind the Scenes of Inclusion: Classroom Narratives of Teachers Handling Learners with Disability


Authors : Jane G. Sagpang

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 10 - October


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/ycxx4jnc

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/3ypdcj3m

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25oct1555

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Abstract : This study looked into the real-life experiences of teachers managing inclusive classrooms with learners with disabilities in Talomo District, Davao City. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, eight teachers were interviewed in- depth to understand the challenges they encountered and how they coped with them. From the analysis of their stories, two major themes emerged regarding their experiences such as identifying effective classroom management strategies and the use of differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs. These findings highlight the critical role of teacher adaptability and intentional instructional planning in fostering an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. To deal with these challenges, teachers coping mechanism were self-care practices and targeted approach and understanding. Drawing upon the experiences, challenges and coping mechanisms of teachers in managing inclusive classrooms, this study had developed educational management insights namely adopting Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a guiding framework for inclusive education and conducting teachers’ training on inclusive practices and flexible teaching strategies. The insights highlighted the need for continuous professional development to help educators adapt and grow in inclusive settings. Ultimately, this study aimed to give voice to both special education and regular classroom teachers working with mainstreamed learners with disabilities.

Keywords : Behind the Scenes of Inclusion, Classroom Narratives, Teachers, Handling Learners with Disability.

References :

  1. Act No. 65 of 2013. Act for Eliminating Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (2013)
  2. Arias, C. R., Calago, C. N. S., Calungsod, H. F. B., Delica, M. A., Fullo, M. E., & Cabanilla, A. B. (2023). Challenges and implementation of inclusive education in selected Asian countries: A meta-synthesis. International Journal of Research in Education and Science (IJRES), 9(2), 512-534. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijres.3089
  3. Bronfenbrenner, U. (2005). Ecological systems theory (1992). In U. Bronfenbrenner (Ed.), Making human beings human: Bioecological perspectives on human development (pp. 106–173). Sage Publications Ltd.
  4. Boswell, N., Douglas-Osborn, E. and Woods, K. 2021. Supporting Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Youth Co-Production: An Exploration of Practitioner Views. Educational Psychology Research and Practice. 7 (1), p. 1–10. https://doi.org/10.15123/uel.899y9
  5. Burke, L. M., & Boccia, R. (2020). A Bright IDEA: Modernizing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to Meet Student Needs and Support Integrated Employment. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED609741.pdf
  6. Jennings, M. J. (2021). From First Year to First Rate: Thriving During the Initial Years of Your Teaching Career. Rowman & Littlefield.
  7. O’Connor, H. and Gibson, N. (2003) A Step-by-Step Guide to Qualitative Data Analysis. Pimatiziwin: A Journal of Aboriginal and Indigenous Community Health, 1, 64-90.
  8. Pozas, M., Letzel, V., Lindner, K. T., & Schwab, S. (2021, December). DI (differentiated instruction) does matter! The effects of DI on secondary school students’ well-being, social inclusion and academic self-concept. In Frontiers in Education (Vol. 6, p. 729027). Frontiers Media SA.
  9. RA 11650. Inclusive Education for Learners with Disabilities Act.
  10. Sanir, H., Karakoc, T., & Özkubat, U. (2022). Teaching Practices in Inclusive Classrooms from the Perspective of Primary School Teacher Candidates: An Observation Study. International Journal of Psychology and Educational Studies, 9(4), 1244–1256. https://doi.org/10.52380/ijpes.2022.9.4.878
  11. Strogilos, V., Lim, L.  & Buhari, NB. (2021): Differentiated instruction for students with SEN in mainstream classrooms: contextual features and types of curriculum modifications, Asia Pacific Journal of Education, DOI: 10.1080/02188791.2021.1984873
  12. Tomlinson, C. A. (2021). Differentiated instruction in rural school contexts. In Gifted education in rural schools (pp. 79-90). Routledge.
  13. Vygotsky, L.S. (1998). Child psychology. The collected works of L. S. Vygotsky: Vol. 5. Problems of the theory and history of psychology. New York, NY: Plenum.

This study looked into the real-life experiences of teachers managing inclusive classrooms with learners with disabilities in Talomo District, Davao City. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, eight teachers were interviewed in- depth to understand the challenges they encountered and how they coped with them. From the analysis of their stories, two major themes emerged regarding their experiences such as identifying effective classroom management strategies and the use of differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs. These findings highlight the critical role of teacher adaptability and intentional instructional planning in fostering an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. To deal with these challenges, teachers coping mechanism were self-care practices and targeted approach and understanding. Drawing upon the experiences, challenges and coping mechanisms of teachers in managing inclusive classrooms, this study had developed educational management insights namely adopting Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a guiding framework for inclusive education and conducting teachers’ training on inclusive practices and flexible teaching strategies. The insights highlighted the need for continuous professional development to help educators adapt and grow in inclusive settings. Ultimately, this study aimed to give voice to both special education and regular classroom teachers working with mainstreamed learners with disabilities.

Keywords : Behind the Scenes of Inclusion, Classroom Narratives, Teachers, Handling Learners with Disability.

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Paper Submission Last Date
31 - December - 2025

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